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     1972

     1974

Disc Brake Calipers

   10/22/08*

1973 Chassis numbers : 8/72=113 2000 001 - 7/73=113 3200 000 and Motor Number started with "AH" & "AK"  "AH" was used from Aug. 1971 for (California only) & "AJ" for fuel injection engines.
Muir states the AE changed to AK in July of 1973 & Alternator replaces Generator Jan 1973
* 1600cc/actual 1584cc/96.7 c.i. * 85.5mm bore/69mm stroke  7.3:1 comp ratio starting 9/71 for AE, AK, & AH 
* Curb weight... Sedan = 1808 lbs. Convertable = 1918 lbs. Ghia = 1918 lbs. S.B.= 1918 lbs.
HP was decreased from 60hp to 46hp/48hp due to lower compression to meet US emissions.
Stricter U.S. emissions meant engines were no longer tuned for performance & economy.
Third year for Dual Port heads and larger 34 Pict-3 carburetor with 26mm venturi.
First year for energy absorbing bumpers & safety interlock seat belts.
Top Dead Sensor (small magnet) in flywheel and new cylinder head alloy.
Second year for Rubber body mounts to reduce noise and Wiper switch moved to steering column.
Modified exhaust gas recirculation. 
IRS Transmission and final drive gear ratio increased from 4.125 to 3.875-1 in 8/73.

1973 SB Chassis numbers: 8/72=133 2000 001 - 7/73=133 3200 000
SB had the McPherson front suspension (long shock w/coil spring) 
Wider front track (from 51.6" to 54.1") and tighter turning circle.(34.6" to 31.5" turning circler)
SB trunk space is nearly doubled of Beetle & the SB spare tire positioned horizontally under trunk floor.
8/72-79 SB had curved windshield. 1971 & 1972 Super Beetle still had Flat windshield (same as Beetle)

 Chassis Number stamped on frame tunnel under rear seat.
Motor Number stamped under generator support, 66-on used code letter preceding number.

Parts are very easily changed so we recommend you keep track of the part numbers from the Carburetor (normally on the side of the carb) Distributor (9-diget number on the distributor body), Engine Number (just below the firing order under the Gen/Alt Stand) and know if it's 6 or 12 volt and if you 12v system is Gen or Alt.          Note: Alternator replaces Gen. in 8/73  Timing the Beetle Manual Trans 72-73  and  73-Wiring Information see Bug act.
Dished Cam 1st started in 8/71 along with matching Oil Pump. (Most aftermarket cams are 3-bolt so check before replacing oil pump.)

The Above information holds true mainly for the US export models that were shipped to the United States, since the VW was produced and sold all over the world please use with caution. VW often made changes in the 8th month so it is best to determine the year from the chassis number. 

1200cc produced in Europe had an Engine number starting with "D" & 1300cc used "AB"
"AD" were 1600cc with 50hp